Weighing-machine



(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet l. P. H. RICHARDS.

WEIGHING MACHINE. No. 589,285. Patented Aug. 31,1897.

Witnesse s 5 jnvenior.

w: Noam PErzns c0, rum-ammo WASHINGTON, n. c.

6 Sheet-s-Sheet 2.

P. H. RICHARDS. WEIGHING MACHINE.

(No Model.)

Invenior;

Patented Aug ..Wi(nesses:

wr. mmms. Parana cu. PHO1Q-LITHQ, WASHINGION, u. u

(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 4. F. H. RICHARDS.

WBIGHING MACHINE.

No. 589,285. Patented Aug 31,1897.

2 E f 26' 1 ,2; 26 I 21 7 E5 1' I ,1 "nu/19w v 4 Witnesses: 17421614 orM RM,

n45 NORM; PEYERS cov PHOYO-UTHQ. WASHINGTON .u. c.

(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 5. F. H. RICHARDS.

WEIGHING MACHINE.

No. 589,285. Patented Aug. 31,1897.

Inventor,

Witnesses W viTERs cs1 "HOTUJJTHU" W'QHINGTON, D, C.

6 Sheets-Sheet 6.

(No Model.)

P. H. RICHARDS. WEIGHING MAOHINE.

No. 589,285. Patented Aug. 81,1897.

UNITED STATES ATENT Fries.

FRANCIS II. RICHARDS, OF lI.'\R"FORD, CONXEOTICU".

WElGHlNG- MACHib-l E.

SPECIFICATZQN forming part of Letters Patent No. 589,285, dated August81, 1897.

Application filed November 2'7, 189?. Serial No. 618,541. (No model.)

Be it known that LFRANCIS II. RICHARDS. a citizen of the United States,residing at llartford, in the county of Hartford and State ofConnecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inWeighing-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to weighing-machines, the object thereof being toprovide improved weighing apparatus comprehend ing, among otherimprovements, improved means for regulating or controlling the openingand closing movements of the bucket or receptacle discharge-opening oroutlet-closer.

In the drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification,Figure l is a front view of this improved weighingmachine, parts thereofbeing in section and broken away. Fig. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectionalpartly plan view taken in line (L a, Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a right-hand sideelevation of the machine, a part of the framework being broken away toillustrate more clearly portions of the operating mechanism. Fig. isalso a right-hand side elevation of the upper portion of the machine,but illustrating a different position of the valve mechanism. Figs. 5and 6 are views similar to Fig. 3, but illustrating different positionsof the operating mechanism. Fig. 7 is a horizontal sectional partly planview illustrating a part of the right-hand end of Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is adetail view of one form of the regulatormechanism. Fig. 0 is aright-hand end view thereof. Figs. 10, 11, and 12 are sidepartly-sectional views of the lower portion of the weighing-machine forillustrating the operation of the weighing apparatus when the dischargefrom the hopper is sluggish.

Similar characters designate like parts in all the figures of thedrawings.

In a general way one of the principal improvements of this improvedweighing-machine relates to the means for regulating the opening andclosing movements of the load receiver or receptacle discharge-opening0r outlet-closer, whereby should a part of the material not passfreelylrom the hopper the continued operation of the load-receiver toobtain another supply of material and to move into position to dischargethe same will not be prevented, such discharge,however,

being positively prevented while any appreciable amount of material froma previous load-receiver discharge remains in the hop-- per, whereby theload-receiver will thus be operable to obtain a succeeding load and notbe stopped or retarded should a part of the material pass from thehopper in a sluggish manner or be wedged therein.

As a preface to a description of this improved weighing-machine it willbe under stood that various parts and mechanisms might be more or lessvaried without departing from the general scope of this invention, thatthe valve mechanism might be of various forms from that herein sh0wnforinstance, similar in construction to the valve mechanisms of variousmachines of this character heretofore patented by me and not deemednecessary to herein more particularly specifyand that while such valvemechanism is shown herein more especially adapted for use with lightmaterial, which offers only aslight resistance to the closing of thesame, it could be constructed otherwise, if desired.

This improved weighing apparatus comprises, in a general way, asupply-chute, a load receiver or receptacle and its beam mechanism,valve mechanism for regulating the supply to said receptacle, and ahopper, and which parts, if desired, may be similar in construction andtheir means of support to those heretofore described in my variousprevious patents, more particular reference to which is not deemednecessary herein, with such modifications as maybe herein illustrated orpointed out; a closer (designated in a general way by A) for thedischarge opening or outlet of the receptacle or bucket; means(designated in a general way by B) for locking the valve closed when thecloser is open and for locking the closer shut when the valve is openand which will be herein designated, for the purposes of thisspecification, as valve-closer-locking means or mechanism, independentholding or looking means (designated in a general way by C) for holdingor locking the closer shut; means (designated in a general way by D) forregulating the opening and closing movements of the closer, and whichregulating means in its preferred form shown is in position andoperative successively to unlock the closer and permit the same to open,to lock the same open, and unlock the same from its open-lock position,to thereby permit said closer to shut at the proper pre( eterminedperiod in the operation of the ap paratus.

The framework for carrying the operative parts of the apparatus may beof any suitable and desired construction, but is illustrated preferablycomprising two side frames 2 and 3, connected at the top by a top plate4, carrying a supply-chute 5, and at the bottom by a beam or baseplate6, such side frames in this instance also being connected by a back orrear plate or wall (5, cutaway adjacent to the top plate, however, topermit the scale-beam to operate beneath such top plate, as hereinaftermore particularly set forth.

The material or load receiver (designated generally by G) may likewisebe of any desired construction, but is herein illustrated as areceptacle or bucket preferably of the single-chambered type or class,and is shown provided at each side thereof with one member of a bearing,in this instance shown as the pivot member thereof, and each of whichpivot members preferably comprises a knife-edge pivot '7 and 8, securedto the bucket in any desired and suitable way, but herein shown as apart thereof, and which pivots are supported by a pair of V-shapedbearings 9 and 10, one carried adjacent to the forward end of each ofthe bucketsupporting arms 13 and 1st of a scale-beam 100. Thisscale-beam is shown supported below the top plate l by a pair ofsuitable bearings, which in the structure shown are preferably in thenature of t -shaped bearings, one member of each bearing (herein illustrated as the pivot member thereof) being secured to the framework inany desired way. For this purpose each side frame is shown provided withan inwardly-extended bifurcated bracket 12, in the furcated end 15 ofwhich a knife-edge pivot 16 is pivotally supported, whereby each pivotmember is longitudinally adjustable to properly aline itself in ahorizontal plane to evenly support the scale-beam.

Each of the beam-arms 123 and 141- is provided with a V-shaped bearingmember 17 in engagement with the knife-edge pivots 16 in the usualmanner. These bucket-supporting arms 13 and let extend rearwardl y ofthe bearings to form a pair of weight-supporting arms 18, carrying aweight 150, preferably rigidly secured thereto. It will be understoodthat such weight could be of various construction and may be carried, ifpreferred,by one rearwardly-extending arm united to the bucketarms 13and let by diverging members.

The weight in the present structure whenin its normal position orposition of rest is shown supported and resting on a pair of bracketarms or supports 19, extending from the rear of the framework.

The valve mechanism for regulating the supply of material to the bucket,while shown as more particularly applicable to operatcin connection withlight material, which offers only a slight resistance to the closing ofthe valve, as hereinbefore set forth, yet it may be constructed tooperate with various weights of material by usii'lg in connectiontherewith some suitable form of by-pass or otherwise modifyingthe samein any desired and wellknown manner. In the present apparatus this valvemechanism preferably comprises an oscillatory or swinging valve 20,operable to gradually close and thus continuously reduce the llow of thematerial from the chute to the bucket until it is completely andtheroughly cut off, and in the present instance it comprises a coneavcdvalve-blade 21, carried,

by a pair of arms and 23, one at each end thereof, and which arms areshown fixed to a rock-shaft 2i, preferably supported in bearings 25atthe front sidc of the chute 5. This rock-shaft carries at one endthereof a stop, preferably in the nature of a sector-stop 2U, likewiselixed thereto and therefore movable simultaneously with the valve,andwhich stop forms one member of the valve-closer-loeking meanshereinafterdescribed. One means shown for opening this valve at theproper predetermined period in the operation of the mechanism and forholding such valve open to permit the bucket to be supplied withmaterial comprises weighted mechanism, one member of which is shown inthis instance pivotally secured adjacent to the apex 97 of this sectorand at one side of said rock-shaft, and preferably comprises adownwardly-extending valve-actuating lever 2b, having a bifurcated end29, while the other member thereof, likewise preferably a lever 30, isillustrated pivotally mounted on one of the beam-arms, as 18, formovement therewith and has one end thereof in engagement with thefurcated end of the lever 28 lJyll'lOttl'lS of aheaded fastening device,such as a screw 31, while the memberbO' of said lcvercarries and to acertain extent forms a part of a weight 32, which is preferably formedthereon. This weight is shown herein having its approximate center ofgravity 32 substantially over a neutral point, such as the pivotal pointof the beam, so that the poise of the scalebeam will not be materiallydisturbed in the operation of the weight 32. In other words, the actionof the weight 232, owing to its position, will have no appreciableeffect on the scalebeam, either at the weight end or the bucket endthereof, to disturb its poise, as would be the case if the weight 32were disposed nearer the beam-weight 150, which would thus make it forma part of the counterbalaneing means, or disposed nearer to'the bucket,in which instance the co unterbalanceweight 150 would have to beincreased in a manner that will be readily understood without furtherdescription. To limit the downward movement of this weight 32, a stop orprojection 33 is disposed on the beam-arm 13 in position to support thesame. The valve is also shown, in its preferred form, provided with aweight 3st, preferably formed as a part thereof, whereby said valve is agravity selfclosing valve operable on the downward movement of thebucket and its beam to gradually close, and thus by degrees reduce thesize of the stream until it finally completely cuts off the supply tothe bucket.

From the foregoing it will be clearly seen that the valve is held openby means of the weighted mechanism j ust described and closes on thedownward movement of the beam-supporting arms 13 and it without raisingthe weight 32 from its stop 33, as such weight and its lever 30 moveswith the beam-arm, said valve being opened at the proper time by theweight 32 in the manner hereinafter set forth.

The weights for the valve, as well as the other weights of the machine,will be experi mentally determined in the first instance in order tosecure the proper action of such valve and the other parts of themachine.

In this construction of weighing-machinc the bucket is shown pivotallyconnected with the side frames 2 and 3 of the framework by some suitablemeanssuch as links or arms 35, one at each side of said bucket-wherebylateral or swinging movement of said bucket transversely of its risingand falling plane of movement is prevented.

The bucket closer, (designated generally by A,) in one preferred formthereof shown, comprises a suitably-formed plate or closer proper, l0,having arms 41 and 42, preferably and usually formed rigid therewith andpivotally secured to the bucket by brackets 43,

whereby said closer is in position to operate at the discharge openingor spout 55 ofthe bucket G and which is herein illustrated at the lowerend thereof.

In order that the closer may be self-operating to close such spout afterthe discharge of material therefrom, suitable means is provided foractuating the same and which in one form thereof is shown as a weight45, carried at the free end of a rearward extension of one of the arms,as l2, of said closer, and which weight will be sufficient tocounterbalance and quickly shut the closer when the bucket is free ofits load, but insuilicient in itself to maintain the same closed againstthe weight of the load in said bucket. The closer is shown provided witha series of working parts, (shown coniiprising a pair of stops at and72,) the purpose of which will be hereinafter more particularly setforth.

To maintain the closer shut during the loading of the bucket and whilethe valve is open and until after the same is completely closed and thesupply of material to the bucket thoroughly cut off, suitable holding orlocking mechanism is provided, and which in one preferred form showncomprehends a locker preferably in the nature of a latch 50.

This

locker is pivotally secured to one side of the bucket by means of asuitable pivotal device 51, the movement of the locker in one directionbeing limited by a stop 50 and involves in one form thereof a series ofworking parts,

I one of which com prises a catch or stop 52 at its under side inposition to engage the stop it of the closer, which is shown herein as aprojection or arm formed on the hub of one of the arms, as ll, of saidcloser, and thereby lock said closer shut. The free end of this lockeris shown provided with the other working parts, hereinafter described,of the series in position to be engaged by the regulating means, whichis in position and thereby operable to actuate the locker to unlock thecloser and permit the same to open.

The means for locking the valve closed when the closer is open and whichalso locks the closer shut when the valve is open, and thus maintainsthe closer positively locked shut even should the locker 50 be manuallyraised, and which is herein designated, as

above set forth, as valve-closer-locking means or mechanism, asdistinguished from the independent holding or locking means for thecloser just described, comprehends, in its preferred form shown, a stop56, such as a sector-stop, pivotally secured to an arm 54:, formed on orattached to the bucket G, and which stop is in position to engage thesector-stop 26 of the valve at certain predetermined periods in theoperation of the mechanism, and which valve-stop 26 constitutes a partof such valve-closer-locking means, as hereinbefore stated. This step isoperatively connected with the closer by a connector, such as a rod 57,pivot-ally secured to each, the pivotal point thereof with the sectorbeing such that the greater part of the weight of the load on the closeris carried by the pivot-a1 point at which said sector is connected tothe bucket-arm.

Vhen the closer is shut and the valve is open, the curved face 26 of thevalve-stop 26 will be in engagement with a stop or plane face 50 of thesector 50, and thus lock the closer shut. These steps are so disposedrelatively to each other that the downward movement of the bucket andits stop 56, as well as the closing of the valve, will not be impeded.Hence on such descent of the bucket to its poising-point said step 56will be carried downward therewith simultaneously with the closing ofthe valve, which thus carries its stop 26 upward, Fig. 4, whereby on thefurther descent of the bucket with its completed load the valve-stop 26will be carried farther upward by the complete closing of the valve,while the bucket-stop 56 will be carried into position in readiness tobe shifted into place beneath the valve-stop 20 to lock the same closed,and which locking action takes place on the opening movement of thecloser, which thus swings the stop 56 into position to have its curvedface 50 engage a stop or plane face 26 of the valve-stop, Figs. 5 and 6.

IIO

4 It will also be seen that the stops are so disposed relatively to eachother that while the valve is locked closed when the closer is open suchcloser is, however, while such valve is still closed, free to shutunless otherwise locked open, and which closing movement would of courseunlock the valve.

It will furthermore be observed, Figs. 5 and (3, that when the valve islocked closed the sector-stops are-in such positions relatively to eachother that the valve sector-stop 26 bears directly downward on thebucket sector-stop 56, and thus does not tend to cause the bucket toswing laterally, and consequently less force is thrown on theguide-links 35 at this time and while the regulating mechanism is inoperation, and thus prevents any liability of disengaging thecooperating parts of the closer and such regulating means, as is liableto be the case in those machines where one sector bears sidewise uponthe other at this period in the operation of the weighing mechanism.

Disposed below the bucket-discharge opening 55 is a hopper, (designatedin a general way by P and shown herein as a stationary hopper having theusual discharge mouth or spent 55.)

lVhen the closer is unlocked and is opened by the weight of the materialin the bucket, it is preferable to lock the same open and to unlock thesame from its open-lock position after the discharge of the materialfrom said bucket in order to permit said closer to shut and allow thebucket to receive another load. This is accomplished in the presentconstruction of apparatus by means of suitable regulating means ormechanism in position and operable in the structure shown not only tounlock the same from its closed-lock position and permit it to open, butalso operable to lock it open and then to also unlock the same from itsopen-lock position and allow the same to close.

In the preferred form thereof herein shown and described this regulatingmechanism comprises a regulator-blade plate 60, (shown herein obliquelyor inclinedly disposed relatively to the discharge-outlet 55 of thehopper and fixedly secured to a rock-shaft (i1, journaled in the sidewalls of said hopper.) The regulator-blade in its preferable form isflanged at its lower end, and which flange 62 extends at such an anglerelatively to the blade proper that in operation it will come flatagainst the stream of material, and thus obviate any tendency of thesame to lift such material as it passes from the hopper.

In order to counterbalance the regulator and hold the same in positionto permit the discharging material to actuate the same, it is shownprovided with a weight 63, which may be adjustable thereon, if desired.In this structure the weight is adjustably secured to arearwardly-extending arm 6% of said regulator and is supported in itsnormal As above stated, in this preferred form of regulator it is showncomprehending means in position and operative not only to unlock thecloser from its closed-lock position to permit it to open, but alsooperable to lock the same open and to unlock the same from its open-lockposition to permit it to shut, and for this purpose, in one form shown,it comprises a plurality of working parts carried by the blade throughthe medium of an arm 65, secured thereto in any desired way or formedtherewith, if desired, and therefore movable with said regulator-blade.

The working part or means operative at one period in the operation ofthe weighingmachine when the regulator is in its normal position andalso operable at another period in the operation of such machine whensaid regulator is moving into its normal position to unlock said closerfrom its closed-lock position comprises in the form shown alaterally-extending arm (36, projecting from the arm. 65 and carrying atits end a bearing or roll 07 in position to engage one of the workingparts of the locker 50, (shown as the end 68 thereof,) to thereby raisethe same on the descent of the bucket, whereby the weight of thematerial in the bucket will open said closer. This locker is alsoprovided with a cam or guide face 09 adjacent to its end 68, to engagesaid roll in the manner and for the purpose hereinafter specified. Themeans in this instance for locking the closer open com prises a seriesof stops or latches 70 and 71, shown one above the other on the arm 05and in position to engage one of the working parts-such as a stop,preferably in the nature of a stop-arm 72, carried by the closer and onthe disengagement of such steps from the closer by the movement of theregulatorblade such closer will be permitted to shut.

From the foregoing it will be observed that on the descent of the bucketto its poisingpoint the regulator will be substantially in the positionshown in Fig. 3 and therefore in its normal position. On the furtherdownward movement of said bucket the roll (57 of said regulatormechanism, which is likewise in its normal position, el'igages with thestop or stop-face (58 of the locker 50 and raises the same, thusunlocking the closer and allowing the weight of the material in thebucket to open said closer and discharge itself, such dischargeoperating the regulator to move the stop 70 of its arm C5 into positionto engage the under face of the stop-arm 72 of the closer, which wasmoved upward simultaneously with the opening of such closer and thuslock the same open.

During the discharge of the material from the load-receiver and when anamount has been discharged therefrom approximately equal to theamount-received thereby which was necessary to carry said load-receiverto its position of poise said load-receiver reascends, Fig. 6, suchascent carrying the closer upward therewith, but still open, whereby theother stop '71 of the regulator mechanism is brought into position tomaintain the closer open by the further rearward movement of theregulator-blade, due to the action of the discharging material, in amanner that will be clearly understood,

After the complete discharge of the material from the bucket and whenthe major portion of the same has passed out of the hopper theregulator-blade gradually moves forward and the openlock stop 71 thusoperated to disengage the closer-stop 7 2, whereby such closer willquickly shut through the medium of its weight and be first locked shutby means of the locker 50, which is raised for this purpose, as thestop-arm 4% passes under the catch 52 thereof.

In the usual construction of weighing apparatus a second load cannot bereceived by the bucket until all appreciable amount of material haspassed from the hopper, thus somewhat retarding the action of theweighing mechanism; but in this improved construction of machine shouldthe latter portion of the material discharged from the bucket passslowly or sluggishly from the hopper or for some reason become wedgedtherein this disadvantage is overcome, and the bucket, owing to theconstruction and operation of the regulater mechanism is enabled tocontinue its operation, so far as receiving a second load is concerned,regardless of such slow passage of the material from the hopper. Hencewhen the latter part of the bucket discharge does not pass freely fromthe hopper, Fig. 10, the regulator nevertheless is moved forwardsufliciently by its weight to allow the stop 71 to release the closer,which will thus imme diately shut and unlock the valve to permit it toopen, whereby the bucket again receives a load and descends intoposition to discharge the same, as before stated, which descent carriesthe stop (38 of the locker in the rear of the roll 67 of the regulatormechanisn'i, as the regulator-blade is still in operation, and thereforethe stop 71 has not been completely re turned into position to engagesuch lockerstop 68, so that such locker still retains the closer shut.When, however, all appreciable amount of material has passed from thehopper, the regulator-blade is permitted to return to its normalinoperative position, such return thereof carrying the roll 07 inengagement with the guide cam-face (39 of the locker, Fig. 11, untilsuch roll reaches the stop end (38 thereof, whereupon it raises thesame, Fig. 12, unlocks the closer, and the discharge of the bucket againtakes place as before, and

which discharge again operates the regulatorblade into position to lockthe closer open, in a manner above set forth,

From the foregoing it will thus be seen that the regulator mechanismwhen in its normal or stationary position will, on the descent of theload-receiver below its poising position, operate the locker to unlockthe closer, and thereby permit the same to open, and that said regulatormechanism on moving to its normal position and approximately at thatperiod when all appreciable amount of material has passed from thedischarge -hopper will again, on the descent of said 1oad-receiver witha premature second load, operate to unlock said closer, and therebypermit the same to open, and that, while the load-receiver is permittedto receive a second load, should the latter part of the material in thehopper pass therefrom sluggishly, it will, however, be locked againstdischarging the same until such hopper is thoroughly free from allappreciable amount thereof.

In connection with the operation of this improved regulating mechanismthe operation of the valve mechanism is substantially as follows: As thebucket descends to its poising-point it carries therewith thesector-stop 56, and likewise the weighted arm 30, which permits thevalve-lever 28 to follow and thus unlocks the valve from its openposition and allows the same gradually to close by means of its weight3% and reduce the stream of material, Fig. t. After reaching thepoisingpoint the bucket continues its descent, thus permitting the valveto completelyclose, Figs. and 6, and shut elf the supply thereto, suchdescent of the valve carrying the sector-stop 2G upward to permit itsplane face to be engaged by the curved face 56 of the sectorsto p 56 onthe opening movement of the closer, which swings such stop into positionto thus lock the valve-stop and thereby the valve closed, wnile suchcloser remains open.

When the bucket returns to its poisingpoint, which it does while thecloser is still open, as above set forth, the valve is simply moretightly locked closed by the upward movement of the stop 56, the upwardmovement of the bucket operating through the valve-lever 28 to raisctheweight 32 from its stop into position to open the valve on the descentof said weight, and which takes place when the closer is released fromits lockedopen position and swings the stop 56 out of engagement withthe face 26 of the stop 26, whereby such valve-stop 26 can swingdownward as the weight returns to its normal position, thereby openingthe valve and holding the same open while the closer is locked shut,

llaving described my invention, I claim- 1. The combination, of areceptacle or bucket provided with a closer shiftable for dischargingthe load; and a regulator operable in one direction by the direct engagement of the discharging load therewith to lock the closer open andoperable in the other direction to unlock the same from its openleekposition, to thereby permit the same to shut.

2. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershiftable for IIO discharging the load; means for holding or locking thesame shut; a hopper; and a regulator shiftable therein in one directionby the discharging load, and in position to engage said closer-lockingmeans and unlock the closer and thereby permit the same to open.

The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; a hopper; and a regulator shiftabletherein and operable in one direction by the discharging load, to lockthe closer open, and operable in the opposite direction to unlock thesame from its open-lock position, to thereby permit the same to shut.

4. The combination, of a load-receiver pro vided with a closer shiftablefor discharging the load; means for holding or looking the closer shut;and regulating mechanism operative in one position to unlock the closerfrom its closed-lock position, and then operable to lock the same open,and to unlock the same from its open-lock position and permit it toshut.

5. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; means for holding or locking thecloser shut; and regulating mechanism shiftable in an inclined plane, inposition successively to unlock the closer, lock the same open, andunlock the same from its open-lock position, to thereby permit it toshut.

6. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; means for holding or locking thecloser shut; and regulatingmeans operable below such locking means,successively to unlock the closer from its closed position, to lock thesame open, and to unlock said closer from its open-lock position, tothereby permit it to shut.

'7. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershit'table for discharging the load; means for looking or holding thecloser shut; and oscillatory regulating means in position successivelyto unlock the closer from its closed-lock position, lock the same open,and to unlock said closer from its openlock position, to therebypermitit to shut,

8. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershiltable for discharging the load; oscillatory means for locking orholding the closer shut; and oscillatory, inclinedly-disposed regulatingmeans in position successively to unlock the closer from its closed-lockposition, lock the same open, and unlock said closer, to thereby per mitit to saut.

9. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; means carried by the bucket, forholding or locking said closer shut and regulating mechanism operablesuccessively to unlock the closer from its closedlock position, lock thesame open, and to unlock the same from its open-lock position, tothereby permit it to shut.

10. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; means carried by the bucket, forholding or looking said closer shut; ahoppcr; and regulating meanscarried by the hopper and operable successively to unlock the closerfrom its closed-lock posi tion, lock the same open, and unlock the samefrom its open-lock position, to thereby permit the same to shut.

11. The combination, of a bucket or receptacle provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; a holding or locking latch pivotallyconnected to the bucket and operative to hold or lock the closer shut;and regulating means disposed and operable below said latch, to engagethe same and successively to unlock the closer from its closedlockposition, lock the same open, and to unlock said closer from itsopen-lock position, to thereby permit it to shut.

12. The combination of a load-receiver provided with a shiftable memberoperative to discharge a load; means for locking said shiftable membershut; and regulator mechanism operative to unlock said shiftable memberfrom its closed-lock position, thereby to permit it to open, and thenoperative to lock said shiftable member open.

13. The combination of a load-receiver provided with a shiftable memberoperative to discharge a load; means for locking said shiftable membershut; and regulator mechanism, substantially as described, controlled bythe discharge of the load from said load-receiver, and normally inposition to unlock the shiftable member and thereby permit it to openand be locked open, and also operable alter the complete discharge fromsaid receiver, and while a part of such load is still passing theregulator mechanism,to unlock said shiftable member from its open-lockposition, and thereby permit it to shut and allow the loadreeeiver, during the passage of the rem aiuing part of such first load by theregulator mech anism, to receive asecond load; and said regulatormechanism being also operable in a direction opposite to that in whichit was operated by the discharging load to again engage theshiftable-member-locking means in readiness to unlock the sameimmediatelyafter the complete passage of the material from the regulatormechanism, and thereby permit the shiftable member to open, and theloadreceiver to discharge its second load.

11-. The combination,ot aload-receiverprovided with a member shiftableto discharge the load; means for locking or holding said shiftablemember shut; and regulating mechanism operative to unlock the shiftablememher when said regulating mechanism is in its normal position or ismoving thereto, and also ICC IIC

operable to lock said shiftable member open and to unlock the same fromits open-lock position, and thereby permit it to shut.

15. The combination, of a bucket or receptacle provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; means for holding or locking thecloser shut; a hopper; and regulating means operable in one direction bythe dis charging load, and in position to unlock the closer and permitit to open and be locked open and also operable tonnlock the same fromits open-lock position after the complete discharge of the bucket-load,to thereby permit such closer to shutand allow the bucket to receive asecond load while a part of the first load is still passing from thehopper.

10. The combination,ofa rising-anddalling receptacle or bucket providedwith a closer shit'table for discharging the load; means for holding orlocking the closer shut; a hopper; and regulating means operable by thedischarging load and comprehending a regulatorblade and means operativesuccessively to unlock the closer and permit it to open and to lock thesame open and also operable to unlock the same from its open-lockposition after the complete discharge of the bucketload and permit suchbucket to receive a second load while a part of the first load is stillpassing from the hopper.

17. The combination, of a bucket or receptacle provided with a closershit'table for discharging the load; means for holding or lockingthecloser shut; a hopper; and regulating means, substantially as described,operable in one direction by the discharging load, and in position tounlock the closer and thereby permit it to open and be locked open, andalso operable, after the complete discharge from the bucket and while apart of such load is still passing from the hopper, to unlock saidcloser from its open-lock position and thereby permit it to shut andallow the bucket, during the passage of the remaining part of such firstload from said hopper, to receive a sec ond load; and said regulatingmechanism being also operable in a direction opposite to that in whichit was operated by the discharging load, to engage again thecloser-locking means, in readiness to unlock the same immediately afterthe complete discharge from the hopper of said first bucket-load andthereby permit the closer to open and the bucket discharge its secondload therefrom.

18. The combination, of a rising-and-falling bucket or receptacleprovided with a closer shiftable for discharging the load; means forholding or looking the closer shut; a hopper: and regulating means,substantially as described, operable in one direction by the dischargingload and comprehending a regulator-blade and means operativesuccessively to unlock the closer and thereby permit it to open and lockthe same open, and also operable, after the complete discharge from thebucket and while a part of such load is still passing from the hopper,to unlock said closer from its open-lock position and thereby per-- mitit to shut, and allow the bucket, during the passage of the remainingpart of such first load from said hopper, to receive a second load; andsaid regulating means being also operable in a direction opposite tothat in which it was operated by the discharging load, to again engagethe closer-locking means in readiness to unlock the same immediatelyafter the complete discharge from the hopper of such first bucket-loadand thereby permit the closer to open and the bucket to discharge itssecond load therefrom.

151. The combination of amovable load-receiver provided with ashifta-ble member operative to discharge a load regulator mechanismcomprehending a plurality of united locking means, one of which isoperable to lock said shiftablc member open when said receiver is in itsload-discharging position, and the other locking means operable to locksaid shit'table member open while the receiver is returning to itsnormal position.

20. The combination of a rising-and-falling load-receiver provided witha closer shii'table to discharge a load; means for holding orlockingsaid closer shut; and regulator mechanism operable to unlock thecloser and permit it to open, and con'iprehending a plurality of unitedlocking means, one of which is oper able to lock the closer open whenthe loadreceiver is in its lowermost position, and the other lockingmeans operable to lock the closer open while the rcceivcris ascending toits normal position.

21. The combination,ofarising-and-falling bucket or receptacle providedwith a closer shiftable for discharging the load; means for locking orholding the closer shut; and regulating means operable to unlock thecloser and permit it to open, and comprehending a plurality of lockingmeans disposed one above the other, and one of which is operable to lockthe closer open when the bucket is in its lowermost position and theother operable to lock said closer open while the bucket is returning toits normal position, and also operable to unlock said closer from itsopen-lock position, to thereby permit it to shut.

22. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershit'table for discharging the load; and regulating mechanism operablein one direction by the discharging load and con'iprehending aregulator-plate and means operable to engage the closer to lock the sameopen and to release the same from its open-lock position, to permit itto shut.

23. The combinalion,ofa rising-and-i'alling receptacle or bucketprovided with a closer shiftablc for discharging the load; means forlockingor holding the closer shut; and regulating mechanism embodying aregulatorplate and an instru mentality operative successively to unlockthe closer from its closedlock position, lock the same open, and tounlock the same from its open-lock position, to

thereby permit it to shut.

24. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; and regulating mechanism operable inone direction by the discharging load and comprehending an inclinedlydisposed, oscillatory, counterbalanced regulator-plate carrying meansmovable in the same plane therewith to lock the closer open and operableon the movement of said plate to release the same from its open lockposition, to thereby permit it to shut.

25. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershit'table for discharging the load; means .for looking or holding thecloser shut; and regulating means comprehending a shiftable,inclincdly-disposed, flanged regulator-plate and means operati vesuccessively to unlock the closer from its closed-lock position, lockthe sameopen, and to unlock said closer from its open-lock position tothereby permit it to shut.

26. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; means for holding or looking thecloser shut; and regulating mechanism comprehending a pivotally-disposedregulator-plate having a plurality of working parts operativesuccessively to have one of its working parts engage the closer-lockingmeans to unlock said closer from its closedlock position, and haveanother of its orking parts engage the closer to lock the same open, andto unlock said closer tromits openlock position, to thereby permit it toshut.

27. The combination, with weighing mechanism embodying a receptacle orbucket provided with a closer shiftable for discharging the load, saidcloser having a pair of stops; ot alocking-latch pivotallysecured to thebucket and having a catch for engaging one of the stops of said closer,to thereby lock the same shut, and also having a stop or stop-face; andregulating mechanism operable to engage the stop of the locking-latch,to thereby unlock the closer and permit the same to open and to thenengage the other stop of such closer and lock the same open.

28. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load, said closer having a plurality ofworking parts; a locker also having a plurality of working parts andoperable to have one of its working parts engage one of the workingparts of the closer, to thereby lock the same shut; and regulatingmechan ism likewise having a plurality of working parts and operablesuccessively to have one of its working parts engage a working part ofthe locker, to thereby unlock the closer and permit it to open and tohave another of its working parts engage a working partof the closer, tothereby lock the same open.

29. The combination, with weighing mechanism embodying a receptacle orbucket provided with a closer shiltable for discharging the load, saidcloser having a pair of stops; of a locking-latch pivotally secured tothe bucket and having a catch for engaging one of the steps of saidcloser, to thereby lock the same shut, and also having a stop and acamface adjacent thereto; and regulating mechanism comprehending aregulator-blade operable in one direction by the discharging load, andhaving a bearing or roll in position to engage the stop of thelocking-latch, to unlock the same from the closer-stop and permit saidcloser to open, and also having a stop adapted to engage the othercloser-stop and thereby lock the same open.

30. The combination, of a bucket or recep tacle provided with a closershiftable for dis charging the load; means for locking the same shut; ahopper; a regulator-plate disposed in said hopper for shittablemovement; and an instrumentality operative therewith and in positionsuccessively to unlock the closer, to permit it to open, lock the sameopen, and to release the same from its openlock position, to therebypermit it to shut.

31, The combination, with weighing mechanism embodying a bucket orreceptacle provided with a closer shiftable for discharging the load; ofa locker having a series of working parts, one of which is operative tolock the closer shut; a hopper disposed below the bucket; aregulator-blade pivotally disposed for oscillatory movement in saidhopper and operable in one direction by the discharging load andlikewise having a series of working parts, one of which is operative toengage one of the working parts of said locker to unlock the closer topermit it to open, and another operative to engage the closer, tothereby lock the same open.

The combination, with weighing mechanism embodying a rising-and-fallingbucket or receptacle having successive ascending positions and providedwith a closer shiftable for discharging the load, said closer having apair of stops; of a locking-latch pivotallysccured to the bucket andhaving a catch operative to engage one of the stops ot" the closer tolock the same shut, and also having a stop or stop-face; a hopper havinga dischargemouth; and regulating means comprising an inclinedlydisposed,oscillatory regulatorblade pivotally secured to said hopper and having acounterbalance-weight, and a member operative with the regulator-blade,to engage the stop or stop-face of the lockinglatch, to thereby unlockthe closer to permit the same to open, and also having a series of stopsoperative successively to engage the other stop of the closer, tothereby lock the same open in its successive ascending positions.

The combination, of pivoi'ally-supported beam mechanism carrying abucket or re-' ceptacle; valve mechanism operable to regulatethe supplyof material to said bucket and comprising a shiftable valve; and meanscom- ICC prehending weighted mechanism for operab ing said valve, theweight thereof having its center of gravity substantially over a neutralpoint of said beam, whereby it does not appreciably affect the poisethereof.

3%. The combination, of pivotally-snpported beam mechanism carrying abucket or receptacle; valve mechanism operable to regulate the supply ofmaterial to said bucket and comprising a shiftable valve; and meansmovable with said beam mechanism and comprehending weighted mechanismfor opening and holding said valve open, the weight thereof having itscenter of gravity substantially over a pivotal point of said beam,whereby it does not appreciably affect the poise thereof.

35. The combination, of pivotally-supported beam mechanism carrying areceptacle or bucket; and valve mechanism operable to regulate thesupply of material to said receptacle and comprising a shiftable valve,an ac- I tuating-lever therefor, and a lever secured to said beam, formovement therewith and having one of its ends in operativeengagementwith said actuating-lever and carrying adja cent to itsopposite end a weight having its center of gravity substantially over apivotal point of said beam mechanism, whereby it does not appreciablyaffect the poise thereof, and operable to open'and hold the valve open.

36. The combination, of pivotally-supported beam mechanism carrying areceptacle or bucket; and valve mechanism operable to regulate thesupply of material to said bucket and con'iprehending a weighted valveselfclosable on the descent of said bucket, an actuating-lever pivotallysecured to said valve, and a lever pivotally secured to said beam and inoperative engagement at one end with said actuating-lever and carryingadjacent to its opposite end a weight having its center of gravitysubstantially over a neutral or pivotal point of said beam mechanism,whereby it does not appreciably affect the poise thereof, and operableto open and hold said valve open.

37. The combination, of pivotally-supported beam mechanism carrying abucket or receptacle provided with a closer shiftable for dischargingthe load; valve mechanism operable to regulate the supply of material tosaid bucket and comprising a shiftable valve; means comprehendingweighted mechanism for operating said valve, the weight thereofhavingits center of gravity substantially over a neutral or pivotalpoint of said beam mechanism, whereby it does not appreciably affect thepoise thereof; and means for locking the valve closed against operationbysaid weight, when the closer is open.

38. The combination,ofpivotally-supported beam mechanism carrying abucket or reeeptacle provided with a closer shiftable for dischargingthe load; valve mechanism operable to regulate the supply of material tosaid bucket and comprising a shiftable valve;

means comprehending weighted mechanism,

for operating said valve, the weight thereof having its centerof gravitysubstantially over a neutral or pivotal point of said beam mechanism,whereby .it does not appreciably affect the poise thereof; andvalve-closer-locking means operatively connected to said valve andcloser and operable to lock the valve closed against operation by saidweight when the closer is open, and to lock the closer shut when thevalve is open.

81). The combination ofa load-receiverprovided with a shiftablememberadapted to discharge a load; means for looking or holding saidshiftable member shut; and regulator mechanism controlledbyihedischargingload and operative in one position to unlock saidshiftable member from its closed-lock position and thereby permit saidmember to open and be locked open, and then operative to unlock saidmember from its open-lock position to permit it to shut.

The combination of a load-receiver provided with ashiftable memberoperative to discharge a load; means for looking or holding saidshiftable member shut; and regulator mechanism controlled by theengagement of the discharging load therewith and operative to lock theshiftable member open when unlocked from its closed-lock position, andthereby permit the discharge of the load.

all. The combination, of aload-receiver provided with a closer shiftablefor discharging the load; means for locking the same shut, and aregulating instr um entality normally in position before the dischargeof the material from the load-receiver to unlock said closer and permitthe same to open; and then 0011- trolled by the discharging materialfrom said load-receiver at a certain predetermined period to againunlock said closer should a premature load be received by saidload-receiver, and thereby permit said closer to open.

42. The combination, of a load-receiverprovided with a closer shiftablefor discharging the load; means for locking said closer shut; shiftablemeans operative when in its normal non-movable position to unlock saidcloser at a predetermined period and permit it to open, and alsooperative during a predetermined period of its shifting movement toagain unlock said closer and permit it to open.

43. The combination,ofpivotally-supported beam mechanism carrying abucket or receptacle provided with a closer shiftable for dischargingthe load and also provided with a shiftable stop operatively connectedwith the closer; valve mechanism comprising a swinging valve also havinga stop adapted to have a bearing engagement on the stop of the bucket ina direct downward direction when the closer is open, whereby anytendency to move the bucket laterally is obviated; an actuating-leverfor said valve; and a lever movable with said beam mechanism and havingone of its ends in engagement with the actuating-lever and its oppositeend carrying a weight having its center of gravity substantially over aneutral or pivotal point 01' said beam mechanism, whereby it does notappreciably affect the poise thereof.

44. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershit'table for discharging the load; a valve operable to regulate thesupply of material to said bucket; valve-closer-locking means operableto lock the closer shut when the valve is open and to lock the valveclosed when the closer is open; independent means for looking or holdingthe closer shut; and regulating means operable to engage saidindependent locking means, to thereby unlock the closer and permit thesame to open.

45. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load, a valve operable to regulate thesupply of material to said bucket; valve-closer-locking means operableto lock the closer shut when the valve is open and to lock the valveclosed when the closer is open; and regulatingmeans operable to engagesaid closer and lock the same open.

A6. The combination, of a receptacle or bucket provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; a valve operable to regu late thesupply of material to said bucket; valve-closerlocking means operable tolock the closer shut when the valve is open and to lock the valve closedwhen the closer is open; independent means for locking or holding thecloser shut; and regulating mechanism operable to engage saidindependent locking means, thereby successively to unlock the closer andpermit it to open, lock the same open, and to unlock the same from itsopenlock position, to thereby permit it to shut.

47. The combination, of a bucket or receptacle provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; a valve operative to regulate thesupply of material to said bucket; means operatively connected with saidvalve and closer, for locking the closer shut when the valve is open andfor locking the valve shut when the closer is open and con'iprising astop carried by the valve, a stop carried by the bucket and shiftablethereon and in engagement with the valve-stop, and a lever connectingsaid bucket-stop and closer, whereby they are operated together;independent locking or holding means for the closer; and regulatingmeans operative to engage said independent loekin g mcans,therebysuccessively to unlock the closer and permit it to open, lock the sameopen, and to unlock said closer from its open-lock position, to therebypermit the same to shut.

48. The combination, of a bucket or receptacle provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; a valve operative to regulate thesupply of material to said bucket; means operatively connected with saidvalve and closer, for locking the closer shut when the valve is open andfor locking the valve closed when the closer is open and embodying aplurality of stops, one movable with the valve and the other with thebucket, andone having a bearing engagement on the other in a directdownward direction at a certain predetermined period in the operation ofthe apparatus,whereby tendency to move the bucket laterally is obviated;independent loekingor holding means for the closer; and regulatingmechanisms operable in one direction by the discharging load, and inposition to engage said independentlocking means, thereby successivelyto unlock the closer and permit the same to open, lock said closer open,and to unlock said closer from its open-lock position, to thereby permitthe same to shut.

it). The combination, of a bucket or receptacle provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load and with a shiftable stop operativelyconnected with said closer; a shiftable valve operable to regulate thesupply of material to said bucket; a stop operative therewith and havinga direct bearing engagement in a downward direction on the stop of thebucket at a certain predetermined period in the operation of the apparatus, whereby tendency to move the bucket laterally is prevented;actuating means operable to open and hold the valve open; an independentlocker for locking the closer shut; and regulating means operable toengage said locker, to thereby unlock the closer and permit the same toopen.

50. The combination, of a pivotally-supported beam mechanism carrying abucket or receptacle provided with a closer shifta-ble for dischargingthe load valve mechanism operative to regulate the supply of material tosaid bucket and comprising a shiftabie valve, an actuating-levertherefor, a lever movable with said beam mechanism and operativelyconnected at one end to said actuating-lever and carrying a weight atits opposite end and having its center of gravity substantially over aneutral or pivotal point of said beam mechanism,whereby it does notappreciably affect the poise thereof; valve-closer-locking means inoperative engagement with the valve and closer, for locking the valveclosed against operation thereof bysaid weight when the closer is openand for locking the closer shut when the valve is open; independentloekingmeans for said closer; and regulating mechanism operative toengage the independent locking means, thereby successively to unlock thecloser and permit the same to open, lock the same open, and unlock saidcloser from its open-lock position, to thereby permit the same to shut.

51. The combination, of pivotally-support ed beam mechanism carrying abucket or receptacle provided with a closer shiitable for dischargingthe load; valve mechanism comprehending a valve operative to regulatethe supply of material to the bucket and mechanism for opening andholding the same open and embodying a weight having its center ofgravity substantially over a neutral or pivotal point of said beammechanism, whereby IZt it does not appreeiablyaffect the poise there of;means operativeiy connected with the valve mechanism and closer, forlocking the closer sh ut when the valve is open and for looking thevalve closed against operation thereof by said weightwhen the closer isopen and embodying a plurality of stops, one movable with the valve andthe other with the bucket and closer, and one bearing directly downwardon the other at a certain predetermined period in the operation of themaehine,whereby tendency to move the bucket laterally is prevented;independent locking means for the closer; and regulating mechanismoperable in one direction by the discharging load, and in position toengage said independent locking means, there-by successively to unlockthe closer and permit the same to open, lock the same open and unlocksaid closer from its openlock position, to thereby permit it to shut.

The combination, of a pivotally-supported beam mechanism carrying abucket or receptacle provided with a shiftable stop and with a closershiftable for discharging the load, said closer having a plurality ofworking parts; a lever connecting said step and closer; valve mechanismcomprehending a weighted valve shiftable to regulate the supply ofmaterial to said bucket and having a stop movable therewith, said stophaving a bearing engagement in a direct downward direction on thebucket-stop at a certain predetermined period in the operation of theapparatus whereby tendency to move the bucket laterally is prevented, anactuatinglever pivotally secured to said valve, a lever pivotallysecured to and movable with the beam mechanism and operatively connectedat one end to said actuating-lever and carrying at its opposite end aweight having its center of gravity substantially over a neutral.

or pivotal point of said beam mechanism,-

whereby it does not appreciably aflfect the poise thereof; alocking-latch pivotaliy secured to the bucket and having a plurality ofworking parts, one operative to engage one of the working parts of saidcloser, to thereby lock the same shut; and regulating mechanismcomprehending a regulator-blade operable in one direction by thedischarging load and carrying a plurality of working parts, oneoperative to engage a working part of the locking-latch, to therebyunlock the closer and permit the same to open, and another operative toengage a working part of said closer and lock the same open and alsooperative to permit the same to shut at the proper period in theoperation. of the apparatus.

53. The COl']1l)llltl;lOl1,0f a bucket or receptacle provided with acloser shiftable for dis charging the load 5 a hopper; a valve operableto regulate the supply of material. to said receptacle;valve-closer-locking means embodying a pair of stops, one movable withthe valve and the other with the bucket and op eratively connected withand shiftable with the closer, and one of said stops bearing directlydownward on the other stop when the closer is open, whereby tendency tomove the bucket laterally is prevented; independent locking means forthe closer; and regulatii'ig means operable in one direction by thedischargingload, and in position to engage said independent lockingmeans, to thereby unlock said closer and permit the same to open andthen to lock the closer open, and operative in the opposite directionnot only to unlock said closer to thereby permit the same to shut andallow the bucket to receive a second load, but also into position, whenthe hop per is not completely free of the first bucket load, tore'engage the independent locking means in readiness to again actuatethe same after the complete discharge from said hopper and thus againunlock the closer.

54;. In a weighing mechanism, the combination with a bucket, of abucket-closer; and a closer latching regulator having a latch thereonfor holding the bucket-closer when the latter is open, thereby latchingthe closer in its open position.

55. The combination ofa load-receiver provided with a shit'table memberoperative to discharge a load; main locking means for locking theshiftable member shut; independent locking means ior also looking saidshiftablc membershut; and regulator mechanism operable to lock saidshiftable member open.

The combination of a load-receiver provided with a shiftable memberoperative to discharge a load; main loekin g means for looking theshiftable member shut; independent locking means for also looking saidmember shut; and a regulator operative in one position to unlock saidindependent locking means and permit the shiftable member to open.

57. The combination of a load-receiver provided with a closer shift-ableto discharge a load; main locking means for locking said closer shut;independent locking means for also locking said closer shut; and aregulator operative when in its stationary position to unlock saidindependent locking means and thereby permit the closer to open; andalso shiftable at one prcdetermin ed period into position to againunlock said independent locking means to permit the closer to open whenthe loadreceiver obtains apremature second load.

58. The combination of a lOE'Itl-iOCOlVGl provided with a shittablemember operative to discharge a load; main locking means for looking theshiftable member shut; independent locking means for also locking saidshiftable member shut; and a regulator operative in one position tounlock said independent locking means and permit the shiftable member toopen, and then operative to lock the same open.

59. The combination, oi'a loa d-receiverprovided with a closershil'tablc for discharging the load; means for locking the closer shut;

and regulating mechanism. normally in posil is open and to lock thecloser shut when the tion to unlock the same, and thereby permit saidcloser to open, and then operative suecessively to lock said closer openand unlock the same at the proper predetermined period, and alsoshiftable in the same direction as its open-lock-unlocking movement toagain unlock said closer should the load-receiver obtain a prematuresecond load; and then operative successively to lock such closer open topermit the discharge of such premature load and then release the closerto perm it said closer again to shut.

60. The combination of a load-receiver provided with a shiftable memberoperative to discharge a load; means for locking said shil'table membershut; and shiftable means controlled by the engagement of the dischargedmaterial therewith after the same has com pletely left saidload-receiver, and operative, when said receiver obtains a prematureload, to unlock said locking means and permit said shiftable member toopen.

G1. The combination of a load-receiver provided with a closer shiftableto discharge a load; adischarge-hopper; means for locking the closershut; and a weighted instrumentality normally in position to unlock saidlocking means to permit said closer to open, and shiftable into positionby its weight, and controlled by the passage of the material from saiddischarge-hopper again to unlock said locking means to permit the closerto open when the load-receiver obtains a prema ture second load.

62. The combination of a load-receiver provided with a closer shiftableto discharge a load; main locking means operative to lock the closershut; independent locking means for locking said closer shut; andregulator mechanism operable successively to engage one of said lockingmeans, thereby to unlock the closer and permit the same to open, thenlock the same open, and then to unlock the same from its open-lockposition to permitsaid eloser to shut.

63. The combination, of a hopper; a loadreceiver provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; a valve operable to regulatc thesupply of material to said load-receiver; valve-closer-interlockin gmeans operable to lock the valve closed when the closer valve is open;inde 'iendent means for also locking the closer shut; and aregulator-plate operable in one direction on the discharge of the loadfrom said hopper to engage said indepen dent locking means,and therebyunlock said closer and permit the same to open should the load-receiverobtain a premature second load.

tJ-t. The combination, of a load-receptacle provided with a closershiftable for discharging the load; means for holding or locking thecloser shut; and a regulator operable in one direction by the directengagement therewith of the discharging load, and also operative tounlock the closer from its closed-lock position and thereby permit thesame to open.

05. The combination, of a loadreeeptaele provided with a closershittable for discharging the load; means for locking the closer shut; aregulator-plate, and means carried thereby and in position to unlock thecloser from its closed-lock position, to thereby permit the same toopen.

66. The combination, of a load-receptacle provided with a membershiftable to discharge the load; and a regulator disposed below suchshiftable member and operable in one direction to lock the member open.

67. The combination, of a load-receptacle provided with a membershit'table to discharge the load; a regulator-plate; and means carriedthereby and operable therewith in one direction to lock the member open.

68. The combination, of a load-receptacle provided with a closershiftable for dischargingthe load; a hopper; and aregulator shiftabletherein and operable in one direction by the discharging load to lockthe closer open.

60. The combination of a load-receiver provided with a shit'table memberoperative to discharge a load; regulator mechanism controlled by thedirect engagement therewith of the discharging material, and operativewhen in its normal stationary position to unlock said closer and permitthe same to open and thereby discharge the load.

I FRANCIS ll. RICHARDS.

' \Vitnesses:

FRED. J. Donn, HENRY BIssnLL.

